The Magical World of Medicinal Mushrooms

By: Gretchen Fox Schempp, Wellness Manager

The Autumn woods are a medicine chest all of their own. Right here in sweet little northeast Iowa you are able to find varied species of fungi. At the Mid America Herbal Symposium last fall I had the awesome opportunity to forage for mushrooms with Christopher Hobbs in the woods of southeastern Minnesota. As a group we came across at least 20 different mushroom varieties and many of them were edible. Turkey tails, reishi, oyster and woodear are just a few of the ones we found that day. I was fortunate to be hunting with an experienced fungi-master, who was able to identify all the mushrooms we found and able to point out which were inedible and even poisonous. (I apparently, have a draw to the poisonous ones, yikes!) Which brings me to my warning: never eat a mushroom that you cannot identify. There are many look-alikes to otherwise safe and edible mushrooms. Be sure to carry a reputable field guide for identification. I like the Petersen Field Guide and the Audubon Field Guide for North American Mushrooms. There are guides for the Midwest as well by Teresa Marrone (Mushrooms of the Upper Midwest: A Simple Guide to Common Mushrooms) and one by Michael Kuo (Mushrooms of the Midwest).

Mushrooms really are a superfood. All mushrooms are full of nutrients including a vast range of trace minerals, vitamins, protein with a good balance of amino acids, and they are full of soluble and insoluble fibers. In addition to the nutrition, they are low in fat and carbs alike. When you’ve positively identified a mushroom as edible and you plan to eat it, cook it well. They can also be dried for medicinal uses. I found a fabulous turkey tail covered log and dried the mushrooms and ground them up to a fine powder. I use them in soups and other savory dishes for a boost of nutrients and immune support.

If you’re looking for the benefits of medicinal mushrooms without the worry of identification (or the maladies of the woods), we’ve got you covered. We carry fungi guru, Paul Stamets’ line of mushroom supplements, Host Defense. Along with offering great medicinals this company’s mission to use mushrooms to change the world is inspiring:

Chaga is recently gaining a following for its high antioxidant activity. This is due to its high content of SOD (superoxide dismutase). This is an enzyme with great potency. Singlet oxygen is responsible for oxidizing and damaging tissue, SOD is known to halt the oxidation of this toxic free radical. Chaga is a hard wood-like mushroom found on birch trees. Chaga is called the “Mushroom of Immortality” by the Siberians and is the most nutrient dense of all growths. They have even inoculated sick trees with the Chaga growth to facilitate healing and to strengthen them.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps was my gateway mushroom and still one of my favorites. It has long been used by athletes for energy and stamina but also touts many other benefits. For example, healthy libido, supporting kidney and liver function, lung support and oxygen uptake to name a few.

Lion’s Mane

I became more familiar with Lion’s Mane this past spring after a concussion that resulted in dizziness, headaches and memory loss. Lion’s Mane supports mental clarity, focus and memory, provides cerebral and nervous system support. Studies even verify Nerve Growth Factor in Lion’s Mane. This isn’t surprising, as Lion’s Mane appears like a tendrilly nerve ending mass.

Turkey Tail

This small leathery polypore (a group of fungi that form fruiting bodies with pores or tubes on the underside) is abundant in the forest here in the Midwest. They are found year-round but are best harvested during their active growing season, late summer to early fall. Turkey Tail is one of the most researched fungi. Over 300 clinical studies have been conducted on this mushroom. Ongoing studies are happening here in the United States on breast cancer survival rates and the use of turkey tails. Specifically notable is that turkey tail helps cancer patients maintain white blood cell counts during chemotherapy.

Reishi

Reishi may be a more familiar mushroom, as it is the #1 selling supplemental mushroom worldwide. Reishi falls in the category of an adaptogen, an herb that supports the body’s ability to adapt to stress. Reishi promotes cardiovascular health, supports energy and stamina and supports overall wellness.

Maitake

Maitake is rich in beta glucans, which are known for promoting immune system health. In addition they are said to enhance a healthy glycemic balance by promoting normal blood sugar metabolism.

Host Defense also has a line of wonderful blends of mushrooms for more specific symptoms and issues. These include:

MyCommunity

A 17 species multi mushroom complex. This “multi-vitamin” of fungi is a comprehensive immune formula that encourages resistance to cellular assaults.

MycoShield

This is a five species immune support blend that comes in an easy to use spray application. Perfect for travel or purse or pocket.

Stamet’s 7

A seven species multi including cordyceps, reishi, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Chaga, Mesima and Royal Sun Blazei. This is a great blend for daily support.

The new line is the Myco Botanicals. These blends include situation specific herbs along with mushrooms.

Woman

This is a breast support blend including four species of mushrooms with added herbals Shatavari, Broccoli sprouts and Chasteberry.